Some Must Push and Some Must Pull

    by Shauna Brown 

For the past seventeen years I have focused a good portion of my time and talent writing scripts about pioneers. Scripts ranging from major stage plays, monologues, reader theatres for pioneer treks.  It has been an uplifting and rewarding experience. Never dreamed that words written would be performed from coast to coast and continent to continent.   I treasure with great appreciation the opportunity to research pioneer histories. Pioneer journals and ‘their’ stories have enriched my life. In fact, those stories have lifted me at times when I needed an affirmation of trust, perserverance, faith and comfort.  Those pioneers are sweet blessings in my life.

     Frequently I am taken back to 14 Gatehouse Lane in Sandy, Utah. It was there I was asked by our stake president, Stewart Glazier, to write a stage production about the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. Most mornings around 2-3:00 I would rise early as a melody or thought would rush through my mind. My fingers couldn’t keep up with the melodies. Tears would frequent my cheeks as I felt so close to those who had walked those frozen pathways.

    I have been blessed to testify weekly of those precious saints to those seeking music and scripts to perform. I have loved stepping into their shoes if only for a moment to testify of their courage and faith. In so doing I have found a firm foundation upon which I can walk.  I have had moments where I have encouraged others, as well as myself to ‘pick up the handcart and keep moving.’ 

   This week I found  a sweet thought. I felt so at home with it.  I emailed it to all of the seminaries as I know the teachers are always needing an extra lift. I sent it off as well to some of my family members. I love it. 

“When our wagon gets stuck in the mud, God is much more likely to assist the 

man who gets out to push than the man who merely raises his voice in 

prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration.” 

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

     It is my testimony that God and Jesus Christ are very much aware of each one of us.  Some times we wonder and question our worth, life’s direction, and if we will be strong enough to face the coming challenges.  Some of us feel stuck in the mud at times.  That is when we must all get out and push and pull one another.  

     Tender mercies to me are those moments when a thought, a voice, a bird flying overhead, even a billowing cloud with a silver-gold lining  gives me a moment to count my blessings. It is then I realize I must load up my personal handcart and push forward.  

     My pioneer friends had a vision of life eternal. They were willing to sacrifice all, to leave their loveones, their possessions and step into the unknown.  More than any other time in my life -- I love them more. I cherish their words, and their willingness, their strict obedience.  They realized that life is brimming full with possibilities and promises of a loving God.   

     I have watched numerous actors step into the shoes of Francis Webster, a pioneer favorite and share his stirring words:

“Not one of that company ever apostasized or left the church because 

every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God 

lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.

I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, 

I can go that far and there I must give up.  When I reached it, the cart began 

pushing me.  I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, 

but my eyes saw no one.

I knew then that the angels of God were there.  The price we paid to become 

acquainted with God was privilege to pay.  I know that God was there.”

      It’s it wonderful that each new day we have the opportunity to step forward, pull on, and in some cases push others to seek the higher road.  

     If this life is the time and goal for all of us to prepare to meet God.  Then I must ask: “What’s in our handcart?” 

     What price, sacrifice, time are we willing to give to know God? 

     Francis Webster.... ‘the price we paid to become acquainted with God was privilege to pay.’

      Make the best of this sabbath day.  

      Love to all,

Shauna

Have a sunshine day. . . with a cherry on to

It’s Time to Swing Again

This morning as I was returning home from driving Rick to the church... I began singing spontaneously...

Climb every mountain, forge every stream . 

Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream. 

         From that melody it took me home to childhood memories and melodies.

 As a little girl I spent many hours swinging from our clothes line posts. Swinging and singing was time of anticipated enjoyment. I could swing for hours. I’m sure it was then  when I learned to appreciate God’s beautiful world.

Mother taught me numerous songs and I can still remember every word of my favorite one when I would swing:  

How do you like to go up in a swing,

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing  

Ever a child can do!  

Up in the air and over the wall,          

Till I can see so wide,  

Rivers and trees and cattle and all  

Over the countryside—  

Till I look down on the garden green,  

Down on the roof so brown—   

Up in the air I go flying again,

Up in the air and down!  Written by Robert Louis Stevenson,

Precious memories. I frequently thought that if I could swing high enough I could see farther, perhaps even into heaven. As from one vantage point I could clearly see the capital building resting on the hill in Salt Lake. At sunset the Great Salt Lake was gleaming before my eyes.  I remember how empowered I felt as I could see over into the backyard of Neeleys, or rhymthically peeking into the backyard of Blakes.  I recall frequently being frustrated as I looked at their tall swing. It seemed to be almost twenty feet in height. I wished, and longed that I could swing upon it, so much bigger than ours.  Imagine all that they could see. That is when I first learned about wishing and hoping.  Yet, I found contentment in my own wonderland. It held enough imagination and possibilities of life. Even with the squeaking sounds of rubbing chains upon the clothesline pipes. It was a special time for a young girl. A girl who then only knew that the sun would rise in the east and set in some incredible golden toned sunset. 

Recently there have been those moments when I want to participate in tippy toe adventures into someone else’s yard, and pretend for just a moment--to have. It’s funny as I come back to the ground I realize wherein contentment is found.  I am asked now to climb mountains that I can’t even see. I am experiencing a rainbow moment. Surrounded by all the colors, plans and vivid scripted possibilities.  Daily I sit upon my swing holding onto faith and clasping the rope. Within the rhythm of daily living I can feel heaven brush against my cheeks as answers to my prayers are whispered on the wind. It is within those moments and pondering that I am finding the peace that is promised.  

When mother called, “It’s time to come inside.’ Reluctantly I slowly dragged my feet upon the ground. I stopped and promised to return. As there was still too much to see, and horizons unexplored.  

Up in the air...   Till I can see so wide.

I continue to sing as I breathe deep and lift my feet and place hands firming upon the ropes.  With all the faith one can muster we will learn to rise and see all that God has in store for us. Great vistas of learning.  Imagine how much more we would appreciate the sunsets as we realize they are the peaceful impressions that God is writing upon our hearts.  

Today I see there are more sunrises to enjoy, flowers to pick and plant and lives to touch, as well as testimonies to be born.  Jesus has walked the pathway for me and sprinkled seeds to grow within my soul. 

Let me share a quote that I came across by Elder Jeffery R. Holland. I was seeking a thought to post within the seminaries... 

“When you are confronted with challenges that are difficult to conquer or you have questions arise, the answers to which you do not know, hold fast to the things you do know. Hang on to your firmest foundation, however limited that may be, and from that position of strength face the unknown.” 

 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Created for Greater Things

I sense that Elder Holland loved to swing as well.  Enjoy the sabbath. 

“Be A Builder”

by Shauna V. Brown 

Yesterday Rick, Kate and I went to see the continuing construction of Brooke and Dan ‘s home.  At first when Dan told us it was going to take three months  to build I questioned the possibility of the timing. Could a house be built in such a short amount of time.  We stood on the lot just after the cement for the foundation was poured. We smiled with the beginning and anticipated blueprint design. With each visit I continue to be amazed  at just how quickly it is taking on the beauty of a home.  I marveled as one of the workers, carried one piece of huge sheetrock up the stairs by himself and tossed it around like it was a light piece of paper, at least it looked that way to me. I watched as other workers nailed on the trim. Skill full hands and equipment are indeed key to the art of home building. 

While waiting for Brooke and Dan to arrive I pointed out to Kate a man roofing on a nearby home.  There appeared even a rhythm to his stapling down the roof tiles. Within a matter of minutes he had laid a completed section of the roof.  It was apparent that time and time again they had all lifted, hoisted, stapled, hammered.... It was clear they didn’t waste time. They had developed the craftsmanship, and ability  by all appearances to  build and complete and hopefully upon completion we shall all say,  ‘job well done.’

      Building a home, takes more than mortar and brick. It takes time, patience, skill and desire. I have been so blessed to stand side by side with a great home builder.  I know many of you laugh or marvel that I can say that... especially those who have seen Rick with a hand saw, or plumbing tools. Yet, I see things even more clearly now, some forty years in the building.  I smile as I reflect upon those first moments and mistakes of parenthood. Who knew?  Who knew how to do it all right and perfectly?  

Tossed into action the moment a little babe came into our life. It instantly changed the dynamics of our peaceful, little heaven on earth. I’m sure heaven smiles, and sometimes giggle as angels watch the intense hammering moments of concern, despair and unknown. 

I reflect and can laugh with the thought of the moments when our little Heather threw up for the first time. Father Rick was on duty, and instantly held her up quickly, baby out stretched before him. With a puzzled look on his face he began running back and forth down the hallway, “What do I do? What do I do?” 

I replied, “Go into the bathroom.”  That moment was most  revealing. It wasn’t a pretty picture, and the clean up wasn’t pretty either.  It didn’t take long before he learned and recognized the symptoms and signs, where to go, and how fast to move there.   

 Now look at him, a seasoned father and Bishop with hundreds, no thousands, he has held up and carried until they knew and realized what to do, who to turn to, who to trust and where to go. 

      He is an incredible brick layer...Brick by brick.....Rick’s my pick.

      Yesterday Brooke shared that she had told her friend Nicole that growing up she remembers her mother always counseling, “Be a Builder.”

     I smiled and my mind flooded with gratitude and great appreciation for those who were brought into my heart to teach me how to be a builder. 

That roofer... that Kate and I watched will leave that roof, and will go to another. 

But parenting is never over or completed. I realize now that each of our homes, sunshine factories, have been and always will be ‘under construction.’  

Our Father in Heaven is allowing us the opportunity to learn to become builders of the best... to dwell someday in a home, a ‘perfect home’.  

Becoming  qualified, certified, as an eternal builder ... is the process through which our Heavenly Father allows us the opportunity to realize HE is the master builder and Christ is the foundation of all things.  

When we cry out for direction. He know exactly where to turn.

    When considering all the possibilities of parenthood we prayed and asked for special spirits -- children that would enrich and strengthen our lives. 

 I believe fully that each one of you were hand and heart picked by a loving Father in Heaven to come into our family. I am ever grateful for the lessons learned from each of you.  Even now my life continues to be enriched as we labor side by side - together.  What a blessing!  

Each one with their unique skills and talents for adding  and building to our family’s tool box.  Just thinking about all the blessings you have brought: Sense of humor, tidiness, sensitive, peacemaker, order, style, creative, thrifty, devoted, love of God, love of life, leader, kindness, gentleness, appreciative, genuine, talented, trustworthy, example, generous, gracious, patient, constant, faithful, steadfast, loving, to name just a few of the talents  and skills that our sunshine factory has been blessed to be surrounded with. I’m sure you can even think of more. Great blessings!  Great builders!

    I am so grateful that I was raised in a loving home. I was surrounded by many great builders. Thankful for two parents who were totally dedicated in daily fortifying our foundation, while laying brick by brick principles that would forever build faith.  I continue to feel of their strength within the walls of my heart as I can hear mother say, "we must have unwavering faith." 

 So as we each face our 'learning experiences' and learn how to hoist and lift what we might have thought impossible... there are tender mercies and puddle makers all around.  Thank heavens! 

 May our Father in Heaven know how much we appreciate being blessed with 'family.'

     The first year of marriage  Rick selected a thought:

      “You lift me, I’ll lift thee, and We’ll ascend together.”  

  • Quaker Proverb  

“You build me, I’ll build Thee, and we will all

             find a room in God’s mansion.”

  

That’s the goal! 

With Love Shauna

Have a sunshine day. . . with a cherry on top!

Good Night Sunny

It’s Time to Swing Again

This morning as I was returning home from driving Rick to the church... I began singing spontaneously...

Climb every mountain, forge every stream . 

Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream. 

From that melody it took me home to childhood memories and melodies.

As a little girl I spent many hours swinging from our clothes line posts. Swinging and singing was time of anticipated enjoyment. I could swing for hours. I’m sure it was then  when I learned to appreciate God’s beautiful world.

Mother taught me numerous songs and I can still remember every word of my favorite one when I would swing:  

How do you like to go up in a swing,

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing  

Ever a child can do!  

Up in the air and over the wall,          

Till I can see so wide,  

Rivers and trees and cattle and all  

Over the countryside—  

Till I look down on the garden green,  

Down on the roof so brown—  

Up in the air I go flying again,

Up in the air and down! Written by Robert Louis Stevenson,

Precious memories. I frequently thought that if I could swing high enough I could see farther, perhaps even into heaven. As from one vantage point I could clearly see the capital building resting on the hill in Salt Lake. At sunset the Great Salt Lake was gleaming before my eyes.  I remember how empowered I felt as I could see over into the backyard of Neeleys, or rhymthically peeking into the backyard of Blakes.  I recall frequently being frustrated as I looked at their tall swing. It seemed to be almost twenty feet in height. I wished, and longed that I could swing upon it, so much bigger than ours.  Imagine all that they could see. That is when I first learned about wishing and hoping.  Yet, I found contentment in my own wonderland. It held enough imagination and possibilities of life. Even with the squeaking sounds of rubbing chains upon the clothesline pipes. It was a special time for a young girl. A girl who then only knew that the sun would rise in the east and set in some incredible golden toned sunset. 

Recently there have been those moments when I want to participate in tippy toe adventures into someone else’s yard, and pretend for just a moment--to have. It’s funny as I come back to the ground I realize wherein contentment is found.  I am asked now to climb mountains that I can’t even see. I am experiencing a rainbow moment. Surrounded by all the colors, plans and vivid scripted possibilities.  Daily I sit upon my swing holding onto faith and clasping the rope. Within the rhythm of daily living I can feel heaven brush against my cheeks as answers to my prayers are whispered on the wind. It is within those moments and pondering that I am finding the peace that is promised.  

When mother called, “It’s time to come inside.’ Reluctantly I slowly dragged my feet upon the ground. I stopped and promised to return. As there was still too much to see, and horizons unexplored.  

Up in the air...   Till I can see so wide.

I continue to sing as I breathe deep and lift my feet and place hands firming upon the ropes.  With all the faith one can muster we will learn to rise and see all that God has in store for us. Great vistas of learning.  Imagine how much more we would appreciate the sunsets as we realize they are the peaceful impressions that God is writing upon our hearts.  

Today I see there are more sunrises to enjoy, flowers to pick and plant and lives to touch, as well as testimonies to be born.  Jesus has walked the pathway for me and sprinkled seeds to grow within my soul. 

Let me share a quote that I came across by Elder Jeffery R. Holland. I was seeking a thought to post within the seminaries... 

“When you are confronted with challenges that are difficult to conquer or you have questions arise, the answers to which you do not know, hold fast to the things you do know. Hang on to your firmest foundation, however limited that may be, and from that position of strength face the unknown.” 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Created for Greater Things

I sense that Elder Holland loved to swing as well.  Enjoy the sabbath.